The Ultimate Guide to Deer Resistant Plants 🌿

🚀 Why Deer Resistance Matters in NJ

In Monmouth County and surrounding areas, deer populations have skyrocketed, and homeowners are constantly battling to keep their landscapes intact. While no plant is 100% deer-proof, many plants are unappealing or toxic to deer and are considered "deer resistant."

At Maple Leaf Farms, we carry a wide range of deer-resistant plants and help customers choose the best options for their homes. Whether you're dealing with constant browsing or just want to avoid future problems, this guide is for you.

📌 How We Grade Deer Resistant Plants

The percentages below represent general resistance levels based on university trials, grower data, and field experience:

• 90–100% = Rarely or never touched

• 70–90% = Occasionally browsed but rarely damaged

• 50–70% = May be grazed if food is scarce

Environmental factors (like food shortages) and deer pressure may affect results, but this guide provides a solid starting point.

🌼 Evergreens

• Boxwood (Buxus) – 100%

• Japanese Plum Yew (Cephalotaxus) – 85%

• Osmanthus (False Holly) – 90%

• Inkberry Holly (Ilex glabra) – 90%

• Juniper (Juniperus) – 95%

• Blue Holly (Ilex meserveae) – 90%

• Goldthread Cypress – 95%

• Blue Star Juniper – 95%

• Skip Laurel – 90%

• Yew (Taxus) – 60%

🌳 Pines, Cypress & Conifers

• Eastern Red Cedar – 95%

• Cryptomeria – 85%

• Serbian Spruce – 100%

• Dwarf Alberta Spruce – 95%

• Blue Atlas Cedar – 100%

• Norway Spruce – 100%

• Blue Spruce – 100%

• Leyland Cypress – 85%

• Green Giant Arborvitae – 90%

• White Pine – 100%

🌿 Deciduous Shrubs

• Barberry – 85%

• Spirea – 90%

• Potentilla – 95%

• Dwarf Crape Myrtle – 85%

• Butterfly Bush – 95%

• Red Twig Dogwood – 85%

• Yellow Twig Dogwood – 85%

• Golden Privet – 85%

• California Privet – 85%

• Weigela – 90%

🌷 Flowering Shrubs

• Viburnum (select types) – 85%

• Rhododendron – 75%

• Azalea – 75%

• Summersweet (Clethra) – 85%

• Andromeda (Pieris) – 90%

• Lilacs – 90%

🌸 Perennials

• Lavender – 100%

• Russian Sage – 100%

• Catmint (Nepeta) – 100%

• Coneflower (Echinacea) – 95%

• Yarrow (Achillea) – 95%

• Coreopsis – 95%

• Salvia – 100%

• Lamb’s Ear (Stachys) – 95%

• Bee Balm (Monarda) – 85%

• Black Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia) – 85%

🌾 Grasses & Groundcovers

• Blue Fescue – 95%

• Miscanthus variegatus – 90%

• Miscanthus silvergrass – 90%

• Everedge Grass – 90%

• Liriope – 85%

• Pachysandra – 90%

• English Ivy – 50%

• Ajuga – 85%

🌼 Annuals

• Dusty Miller – 90%

• Vinca – 100%

• Begonias – 75%

• Marigolds (Tagetes) – 85%

• Snapdragons – 80%

• Zinnias – 80%

• Celosia – 75%

• SunPatiens – 80%

• Coleus – 70%

🦖 Why Deer Dislike These Plants

Deer rely on smell, texture, and taste when foraging. They tend to avoid plants that are:

• Strong-smelling (like lavender, rosemary, sage)

• Fuzzy or hairy (like lamb’s ear)

• Bitter or toxic (like euphorbia or daffodils)

• Tough or leathery

Plants with aromatic foliage, milky sap, or spiny textures are often natural deterrents.

❗️ Important Notes

• Even "deer-resistant" plants can be eaten if food is scarce.

• Newly planted material is more likely to be nibbled.

• Fencing, repellents, and good plant selection all help.

• Higher resistance = lower risk, not immunity.

✅ Frequently Asked Questions:

❓ Are these plants 100% deer-proof?

No plant is truly deer-proof. However, those listed as 90%+ are typically untouched in most local landscapes.

❓ Do I still need deer spray?

In high-pressure areas, deer spray or fencing is still helpful — especially when new plantings are young and tender.

❓ Can I mix resistant and non-resistant plants?

Yes! Just be strategic — place resistant plants around the outer areas, and sensitive ones closer to structures or fenced zones.

📅 Visit Maple Leaf Farms for Help

We carry one of the largest selections of deer-resistant plants on the East Coast, and our staff is happy to walk you through the best options for your specific yard.

Maple Leaf Farms

📍 525 US-9, Manalapan, NJ 07726

📅 Open Every Day 9 AM – 5 PM

📧 mapleleaffarmsnj@gmail.com

📲 (732) 851-4400

🔗 www.mapleleaffarmsnj.com

📈 Need Professional Plant Advice?

For layout help, plant problem-solving, and landscape consulting, contact:

Horticulture Specialists LLC

📧 horticulturespecialists@gmail.com

🔗 www.horticulturespecialists.com